They say old habits are hard to break; in many circumstances, I certainly agree. My career as an Intelligence Officer had just gotten off the ground when 9-11 turned everything upside down. No doubt espionage and intelligence collection would be more important than ever, and an essential part of the process has always been about understanding the target. Now that I'm retired, I get my details from the news, just like everyone else. But things have come a long way since my days as a rookie Intel Officer, and I can always find a treasure trove of useful information by switching from one news channel to the next. Having spent time in Europe, I am familiar with the various press agencies, and during the Nice terror attack of last July, my knowledge of French kept me watching the live news bulletins directly from France.
Aside from the horrific terrorist attack in Brussels on March 22, 2016, which killed thirty-two civilians, the last three prolific terror attacks on European soil took place in Nice, Berlin, and most recently in London. I have separated these three from the Brussels incident for a number of reasons. The terrorist group known to the west as ISIS has long made use of vehicular weapons. For years, Iraqis and Syrians have been victimized by car bombs which purposely target large public events, including holiday celebrations and funerals. ISIS will continue to use this method of delivering death because it's a basically simple way to cause a high number of casualties. Rigging a vehicle with explosives and attaching a detonator does not take a munitions expert, and it's just about impossible for security in some countries to disrupt this manner of attack. In Nice, Berlin and London, though, no explosives were used. The perpetrators used their vehicles as weapons, flooring the accelerator and running down civilians with no warning. In all three attacks, the perpetrator intended to exit the vehicle after coming to a halt, to continue their rampage with either handguns or knives. It's important to note that these three attacks were carried out by one person. No doubt, other persons either new of the attack beforehand and/or provided assistance, but the actual event itself was carried out by one individual. The perpetrators were not rank-and-file ISIS operatives, but rather Islamic Extremists who had made contact with like-minded persons through Social Media. For some time, law enforcement in the United States has been rightly concerned with the possibility of well-trained, terrorist sleeper cells embedded on our communities. The reality is, as we open our borders to refugees who have traveled directly from countries which are known to harbor large numbers of ISIS operatives and sympathizers, we increase the possibility of either type of attack.
Most police officers in the United Kingdom are unarmed, as are law enforcement personnel in a number of European countries. From my perspective, as long as the policy suited each respective country, then its a good thing to have fewer weapons on the streets. I assume that this policy is being reconsidered, given that Police Officers have certainly become targets, and they should have the right and the ability to defend themselves. The London attacker used a car and two knives to brutally kill four people. A society can go to extreme lengths when trying to create a weapons-free environment, but time and again we are reminded that a person who is intent on harming another person will always be able to find a weapon. Its much easier for the perpetrator to carefully choose what type of normally innocuous instrument to use as a weapon, but more difficult for the victim, when being attacked, to make a split-second decision on what to use for self-defense.
I chose to highlight the three vehicular attacks in Nice, Berlin and London, because they do not appear to be intricately-planned, resource-intensive attacks. ISIS was not directly responsible for any of the three vehicular attacks in question, although they do deserve total responsibility because of their efforts through Social Media to encourage these type of attacks. What is so frightening is that ISIS can claim responsibility and benefit from these heinous events, without actually having to utilize valuable, professional operatives, who are free to continue hiding in plain sight, until all the pieces come together to conduct a Brussels and Paris style attack, one that is heavy on resources and personnel. It may be too late for Europe, but it is essential that the United States government take all necessary precautions regarding the resettlement of refugees from areas of conflict. The Executive Order that has caused such an uproar, does nothing more than delay resettlement of refugees for three months. I believe National Security and the integrity of our international border are worth the effort.
Showing posts with label Berlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Berlin. Show all posts
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Al-Qaeda And Europe, 2015
Links: A. Al-Qaeda In Europe
B. Al-Qaeda Plot To Blow Up Airliners In Europe
My close friend Jennifer and I were talking recently about what it means to be born of two distinct, separate nationalities, languages included. One of the first chapters of my book provides a glimpse of my family, both in France and Kentucky, and Jennifer and I were considering a change in the chapter title. The truth is, neither of us liked the title in place, which was, "Bicultural". Sure, it fits. My father is from the coal mining mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and my mother's heritage is in the wine vineyards of southwest France. But for some reason, the word bothered both of us, so we chose, "bicontinental", which is so much better. Bicultural did not signify enough of a separation; we have bicultural folks all over the United States. My siblings and I, like many military brats, were conceived from genes that were separated by mountain ranges and never-ending oceans. When I turned on the television station this morning after an emotional wake-up call from my French mother, I tell you, those mountains and that ocean have never seemed so insurmountable. Because I have traveled extensively in my life, rarely do I feel completely removed from either France or Texas. But this morning I felt that France was out of my reach, and it was terribly frustrating. I wanted to put myself into that horrific event, and help in any way possible, and to at least share in the communal heartbreak that inevitably accompanies an event like this. I recall 9-11, watching thousands and thousands of New Yorkers, with candles, standing around the make-shift billboards with photos of missing people, and I remember how much I wanted to be there physically. This morning, really early this morning, before the sun was up for us in Texas, I was in distress, and I wanted to be with the people of France, who are part of me; and I wanted to share their pain, but also add my strength to the soul of France, so that France remains strong, free and vigilant. Vive la France!
This terror attack was no great surprise. Holland and France seem to be the target of the greatest anger coming from the Islamic extremist camp. The French piss off just about everyone sooner or later, which can also be said for the United States. France is obsessed about its independence. I'm not referring to the fourteenth of July "Bastille Day" celebration, I'm referring to France's tradition of following its own path. I'm talking about the decision to ask NATO to leave France in 1967 and also France's unilateral choice to suspend the contract with Russia for the sale and delivery of two Mistral-class super-modern helicopter carrier assault warships in 2014. When the winds of change signaled the end of colonialism in Africa, France did things her way, as she has done regarding the issue of atomic power and nuclear weapons. With regard to Islamic extremism, the one thing the French people value more than their independence is their culture. France has cultivated a positive relationship with many of its former colonies, including a number of Muslim countries. During colonial times, France considered many of the persons living in its colonies as being French citizens. Many ethnic Arabs and Africans emigrated to France. As of 2015, ten percent of France is Muslim. Some French Muslims have clashed with the French government over issues which seem to conflict with French culture. The traditional way of dress for many conservative Muslim women is considered misogynistic by French attitudes. The high unemployment rate in predominantly Muslim suburban communities has created a dissatisfaction with the French government, and some of the young people are turning to violence as an outlet. Why have I taken the time to describe this French-immigrant issue in such detail? Because it is the same pattern that is playing out in poor immigrant, predominantly Muslim communities all over Europe, including London, Copenhagen, Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome and even Stockholm. Almost every member of the European Union has the potential for real problems with Muslim young men who see themselves as foreigners, and have no jobs.
The young men who leave Europe to join groups like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the Taliban, and the Islamic State, are very sincere in their allegiance to Allah. They believe in the glory of death on behalf of Islam, and the wonders of heaven that await a true martyr. Young men are the most idealistic in their late-teens and early twenties, about the same time that they seem to have unlimited physical energy. Extremist groups take advantage of the age and emotional immaturity of these young men, and the indoctrination begins. If you meet someone who has nothing, and you give them something, you immediately impact their world. These young men who never really blended in, who had trouble with local (many times Christian) girls, and were unable to find a job, are reminded that they do indeed have a family, and that the time has come to return home. Its not Rocket Science, if you'll excuse the cliché. This socio-politico-demographic development, the movement of millions of non-Europeans to Europe that occurred mostly towards the end of colonialism (although illegal immigration has continued the process), has had positive and negative results. Many cultures flourish with exposure to other languages and traditions. But the children that were born in Europe, who were going to have great difficulty being accepted as Europeans, would present the greatest problem of all. Once the problem and the symptom have been identified, what is the solution? France has poured untold billions of francs and Euro into new housing, free education, free artisan training, and on and on. At the end of the day, maybe some genius will wake up and realize that its great to be friends, but you can't always force someone to become a member of your family.
Today I heard that over 700 young Frenchmen had emigrated to join Islamic Extremist groups. I assume the majority will find their way to Syria. No doubt the patient, educated and most dangerous young extremists will continue to be attracted to Al-Qaeda. As I've argued previously (ad nauseam), I'm convinced that the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda are not as separate as we would like to believe. As time moves on, and the conflict begins to take shape, I can imagine the Islamic State as the more conventional military wing of the extremist cause, and Al-Qaeda as the more cerebral limb. The main reason that Al-Qaeda did not have the resources or manpower to conduct another 9-11 type attack sometime in between 2002 to 2010, was because they had been obliged to engage in a conventional war in Iraq and Afghanistan, against the U.S. Army. Al-Qaeda is and always has been ill-suited to this type of warfare. They are much more comfortable planning operations like the attack we witnessed this morning in Paris. Interestingly enough, Al-Qaeda is engaged in a somewhat traditional conventional conflict in Yemen. At the end of the day, the war in Yemen, along with the ground war in Iraq and Syria, will provide the extremists with a well-trained and equipped conventional fighting force. If the recruiting continues on pace, and begins to take advantage of African poverty as I have hypothesized, I can easily picture an army of 50,000-plus in the Levant, possibly more in Iraq. If this is the plan, sooner or later an air-element will have to be procured, so lets keep our eyes open for any additional missing MIGS. Is it possible that the future will include a conventional Islamic extremist army, with Al-Qaeda as the head of this serpent? Lets hope not.
PS It appears that I have developed a loyal group of friends who visit my blog everyday. I wish I could meet you all in person....if you're ever in Texas, please drop by and say howdy. I am humbled by the validity you provide to this blog by your regular visits. Thank you and merci beaucoup. I need to ask you a favor. I want my blog to move to the next level. I'm doing what I can to increase visits, and I want to impose upon you to please spread the word about "the new CIA blog with the strange name". I've reached that point where it is time to grow a bit. And soon I will be back with another PS, asking you to buy my book, so get ready! Much obliged, Eric
B. Al-Qaeda Plot To Blow Up Airliners In Europe
My close friend Jennifer and I were talking recently about what it means to be born of two distinct, separate nationalities, languages included. One of the first chapters of my book provides a glimpse of my family, both in France and Kentucky, and Jennifer and I were considering a change in the chapter title. The truth is, neither of us liked the title in place, which was, "Bicultural". Sure, it fits. My father is from the coal mining mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and my mother's heritage is in the wine vineyards of southwest France. But for some reason, the word bothered both of us, so we chose, "bicontinental", which is so much better. Bicultural did not signify enough of a separation; we have bicultural folks all over the United States. My siblings and I, like many military brats, were conceived from genes that were separated by mountain ranges and never-ending oceans. When I turned on the television station this morning after an emotional wake-up call from my French mother, I tell you, those mountains and that ocean have never seemed so insurmountable. Because I have traveled extensively in my life, rarely do I feel completely removed from either France or Texas. But this morning I felt that France was out of my reach, and it was terribly frustrating. I wanted to put myself into that horrific event, and help in any way possible, and to at least share in the communal heartbreak that inevitably accompanies an event like this. I recall 9-11, watching thousands and thousands of New Yorkers, with candles, standing around the make-shift billboards with photos of missing people, and I remember how much I wanted to be there physically. This morning, really early this morning, before the sun was up for us in Texas, I was in distress, and I wanted to be with the people of France, who are part of me; and I wanted to share their pain, but also add my strength to the soul of France, so that France remains strong, free and vigilant. Vive la France!
This terror attack was no great surprise. Holland and France seem to be the target of the greatest anger coming from the Islamic extremist camp. The French piss off just about everyone sooner or later, which can also be said for the United States. France is obsessed about its independence. I'm not referring to the fourteenth of July "Bastille Day" celebration, I'm referring to France's tradition of following its own path. I'm talking about the decision to ask NATO to leave France in 1967 and also France's unilateral choice to suspend the contract with Russia for the sale and delivery of two Mistral-class super-modern helicopter carrier assault warships in 2014. When the winds of change signaled the end of colonialism in Africa, France did things her way, as she has done regarding the issue of atomic power and nuclear weapons. With regard to Islamic extremism, the one thing the French people value more than their independence is their culture. France has cultivated a positive relationship with many of its former colonies, including a number of Muslim countries. During colonial times, France considered many of the persons living in its colonies as being French citizens. Many ethnic Arabs and Africans emigrated to France. As of 2015, ten percent of France is Muslim. Some French Muslims have clashed with the French government over issues which seem to conflict with French culture. The traditional way of dress for many conservative Muslim women is considered misogynistic by French attitudes. The high unemployment rate in predominantly Muslim suburban communities has created a dissatisfaction with the French government, and some of the young people are turning to violence as an outlet. Why have I taken the time to describe this French-immigrant issue in such detail? Because it is the same pattern that is playing out in poor immigrant, predominantly Muslim communities all over Europe, including London, Copenhagen, Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome and even Stockholm. Almost every member of the European Union has the potential for real problems with Muslim young men who see themselves as foreigners, and have no jobs.
The young men who leave Europe to join groups like Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the Taliban, and the Islamic State, are very sincere in their allegiance to Allah. They believe in the glory of death on behalf of Islam, and the wonders of heaven that await a true martyr. Young men are the most idealistic in their late-teens and early twenties, about the same time that they seem to have unlimited physical energy. Extremist groups take advantage of the age and emotional immaturity of these young men, and the indoctrination begins. If you meet someone who has nothing, and you give them something, you immediately impact their world. These young men who never really blended in, who had trouble with local (many times Christian) girls, and were unable to find a job, are reminded that they do indeed have a family, and that the time has come to return home. Its not Rocket Science, if you'll excuse the cliché. This socio-politico-demographic development, the movement of millions of non-Europeans to Europe that occurred mostly towards the end of colonialism (although illegal immigration has continued the process), has had positive and negative results. Many cultures flourish with exposure to other languages and traditions. But the children that were born in Europe, who were going to have great difficulty being accepted as Europeans, would present the greatest problem of all. Once the problem and the symptom have been identified, what is the solution? France has poured untold billions of francs and Euro into new housing, free education, free artisan training, and on and on. At the end of the day, maybe some genius will wake up and realize that its great to be friends, but you can't always force someone to become a member of your family.
Today I heard that over 700 young Frenchmen had emigrated to join Islamic Extremist groups. I assume the majority will find their way to Syria. No doubt the patient, educated and most dangerous young extremists will continue to be attracted to Al-Qaeda. As I've argued previously (ad nauseam), I'm convinced that the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda are not as separate as we would like to believe. As time moves on, and the conflict begins to take shape, I can imagine the Islamic State as the more conventional military wing of the extremist cause, and Al-Qaeda as the more cerebral limb. The main reason that Al-Qaeda did not have the resources or manpower to conduct another 9-11 type attack sometime in between 2002 to 2010, was because they had been obliged to engage in a conventional war in Iraq and Afghanistan, against the U.S. Army. Al-Qaeda is and always has been ill-suited to this type of warfare. They are much more comfortable planning operations like the attack we witnessed this morning in Paris. Interestingly enough, Al-Qaeda is engaged in a somewhat traditional conventional conflict in Yemen. At the end of the day, the war in Yemen, along with the ground war in Iraq and Syria, will provide the extremists with a well-trained and equipped conventional fighting force. If the recruiting continues on pace, and begins to take advantage of African poverty as I have hypothesized, I can easily picture an army of 50,000-plus in the Levant, possibly more in Iraq. If this is the plan, sooner or later an air-element will have to be procured, so lets keep our eyes open for any additional missing MIGS. Is it possible that the future will include a conventional Islamic extremist army, with Al-Qaeda as the head of this serpent? Lets hope not.
PS It appears that I have developed a loyal group of friends who visit my blog everyday. I wish I could meet you all in person....if you're ever in Texas, please drop by and say howdy. I am humbled by the validity you provide to this blog by your regular visits. Thank you and merci beaucoup. I need to ask you a favor. I want my blog to move to the next level. I'm doing what I can to increase visits, and I want to impose upon you to please spread the word about "the new CIA blog with the strange name". I've reached that point where it is time to grow a bit. And soon I will be back with another PS, asking you to buy my book, so get ready! Much obliged, Eric
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